Do you believe that children deserve the very best start in life? Do you thrive on supporting others to grow, building strong relationships, and creating environments where children, families and staff can flourish?

We’re looking for a Nursery Manager who wants more than just a management role – someone who wants to make a genuine difference every single day.

We believe great nurseries are built by great people. That’s why we’re looking for a leader who combines high expectations with warmth, who understands that outstanding practice starts with a happy, supported team, and who knows that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and loved.

This is an opportunity to lead an established 39-place nursery with dedicated staff, supportive families and children at the heart of everything we do.

At First Steps Enterprise Limited, you’ll be part of a wider network of supportive colleagues and leaders who genuinely believe in helping one another succeed. We celebrate achievements, learn from challenges together, and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

If you are passionate about developing people, committed to delivering exceptional childcare and excited about leading a nursery that makes a real impact in its community, we’d love to hear from you.

If this sounds like you, we can’t wait to meet you. ❤️

As a Nursery Manager, you will:

Play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. You will lead and support a dedicated team, build strong partnerships with families, and ensure the nursery delivers the highest standards of care and education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Championing the health, safety and well-being of every child.
• Ensuring safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures are followed at all times.
• Creating a positive, supportive and inclusive culture where children, families and colleagues feel valued and respected.
• Leading, motivating and developing a team of approximately 16–20 staff.
• Ensuring high-quality early years education in line with the EYFS.
• Supporting continuous quality improvement across the nursery.
• Leading preparation for and management of Ofsted inspections.
• Building strong relationships with families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Promoting the nursery within the local community and supporting occupancy growth.
• Managing staffing, resources, budgets and the day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Working closely with senior leaders to support the success and growth of the nursery.

Our Commitment to You

Your Job Title: Nursery Manager

Your Commitment: 38.75 hours per week, all year round

Your Reward: £37,000 – £40,000 per annum (depending on experience), plus annual performance-related bonus scheme

Where you will be: Sefton, Merseyside

Your Holiday: 25 days plus paid bank holidays

Other Benefits of Working for First Steps Enterprise Ltd

• Management team who support and believe in you
• Colleagues who coach and value you
• Children and families whose lives you can positively influence
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
• Ongoing professional development, training and promotion opportunities
• Dedicated leadership development opportunities
• Childcare discount opportunities (subject to eligibility and availability)
• Pension scheme* for when we grow old
• Life insurance* to protect our loved ones
• Enhanced training and professional development opportunities
• Planned wellbeing enhancements, including a healthcare cash plan

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare.
• A suitable Level 2 Maths qualification (or willingness to achieve this within two years of commencing employment).
• Previous Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or senior leadership experience within an early years setting.
• Minimum two years post-qualified experience working in early years.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong communication, organisational and IT skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding childcare and education.

Desirable

• Level 5 qualification in Early Years, Leadership or Management.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• SEND or SENCO experience.
• Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections.
• Experience supporting nursery occupancy and business growth.
• Experience using nursery management software such as Famly.

T’s & C’s

• You will need to hold a Level 3 (or higher) qualification in Early Years as defined by the DfE list of acceptable qualifications.
• The post is subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS and two satisfactory references, one being from your last employer.
• The post is subject to a 12-week probationary period.

Application forms can be found here:

Application Form

We VERY strongly advise you to apply your skills and experience to the person specification when completing your application, which is via the link below, where you can upload your CV. We will need an application form at a later stage, but for now, please upload your CV via the ‘Apply Now’ link below.

Interviews will take place soon. No agencies, please.